Back to EveryPatent.com
United States Patent |
5,057,876
|
Ohno
|
October 15, 1991
|
Image forming apparatus with an image editing function
Abstract
An image forming apparatus having an image editing function and a plurality
of developing devices capable of developing different colors respectively,
wherein, for example, where images are copied from two sheets of document
or a double-side document on the both sides of a copying paper, or where
the both pages of an opened book are copied in a split manner, the
position on a copying paper of change-over of the developing device is set
only for one sheet of document in double-size copy from the respective two
sheets of document, only for one page of the opened book, and only for one
side of the double-side document, and thereby the position of change-over
is determined automatically for the other sheet of document, the other
page or the rear side, and therefore the devices for setting the position
of change-over of the developing device are reduced in number, and the
operation is simplified.
Inventors:
|
Ohno; Yasuhiro (Osaka, JP)
|
Assignee:
|
Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha (Osaka, JP)
|
Appl. No.:
|
488227 |
Filed:
|
March 5, 1990 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
Current U.S. Class: |
399/184; 355/24; 399/85; 399/228; 399/364 |
Intern'l Class: |
G03G 015/01 |
Field of Search: |
355/328,326,327,245,23-26
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3914043 | Oct., 1975 | McVeigh.
| |
4743946 | May., 1988 | Nishimori et al.
| |
4860049 | Aug., 1989 | Toshimitsu et al. | 355/328.
|
4862216 | Aug., 1989 | Higashi et al. | 355/328.
|
4884096 | Nov., 1989 | Kusuda et al. | 355/328.
|
4885611 | Dec., 1989 | Higashio et al. | 355/328.
|
4912504 | Mar., 1990 | Ito et al. | 355/25.
|
4937266 | Jun., 1990 | Kohtani et al. | 355/326.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
51-36951 | Mar., 1976 | JP.
| |
61-203474 | Sep., 1986 | JP.
| |
64-56459 | Mar., 1989 | JP.
| |
Primary Examiner: Moses; R. L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Burns, Doane, Swecker & Mathis
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A copying machine which is provided with a plurality of developing
devices performing development respectively using developers of different
colors, and forms copy images with a plurality of colors by using the
different developing devices and changing said developing devices during
one copying operation, comprising:
operating means for selecting a position for changing the color used in
development;
detecting means for detecting the position selected by said operating
means;
storing means for storing information detected by said detecting means;
change-over means for changing which developing devices is in operation;
first controlling means for controlling said change-over means so that the
developing color is changed at the position selected by said operating
means;
second controlling means for controlling said change-over means so that the
developed color is changed at a position which differs from the position
selected by said selecting means and which is based on the information
stored in said storing means.
2. A copying machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said copying machine executes a copying operation by a split mode which
splits one original document image into two regions and forms the
respective images on different copy sheets, respectively; and
said second controlling means operates when a region not including the
position selected by said operating means is copied.
3. A copying machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein
said copying machine executes a copying operation by a double-side mode
which forms images on the both sides of a copy sheet; and
said first controlling means operates only in forming an image on a first
side of a copy sheet, and said second controlling means operates only in
forming an image on a second side of a copy sheet.
4. A copying machine which forms a copy image by using a plurality of
developing devices with selectively changing said developing devices
corresponding to a plurality of regions into which an original document
image is divided in a predetermined direction, comprising:
selecting means for selecting a first position for changing said developing
devices for said original document image;
calculating means which performs predetermined calculations based on the
first position for changing said developing device selected by said
selecting means in order to determine a second position for changing said
developing device on said original document image; and
controlling means for controlling a plurality of said developing devices so
that the developing devices are changed corresponding to said first and
second positions for changing said developing devices.
5. A copying machine in accordance with claim 4, wherein
said copying machine executes a copying operation by a split mode which
splits one original document image into two regions and forms the
respective images on different copy sheets, respectively; and
said calculating means determines said second position for changing said
developing device so that the positions for changing the developing
devices on said respective split images match each other.
6. A copying machine in accordance with claim 4, wherein
said second position for changing said developing devices is symmetrical
with said first position for changing said developing devices with respect
to the center of said original document image.
7. A copying machine, comprising:
a document table for placing an original document;
scanning means for scanning the original document placed on said document
table in a predetermined directions;
operating lever which is disposed in the vicinity of said document table,
which can move in the direction parallel to said scanning direction, and
which indicates an arbitrary position of the original document image in
the scanning direction;
detecting means for detecting the position of said operating lever;
a plurality of developing devices;
developing device driving means which selectively drives a plurality of
said developing devices;
first controlling means for controlling said developing driving means so
that the developing device to be used is changed at time corresponding to
the position of the operating lever detected by said detecting means; and
second controlling means for controlling said developing device driving
means at a time different from said time for changing said developing
device set by said first controlling means based on said position of the
operating lever detected by said detecting means.
8. A copying machine in accordance with claim 7, which has selecting means
for selectively operating either one of said first and second controlling
means and putting the other controlling means in the non-operated state.
9. A copying machine which is provided with a plurality of developing
devices performing development using developers of different colors, and
forms an image with a plurality of colors by using the different
developing devices in one-image forming operation, comprising:
operating means for selecting a position for changing the color to be
developed;
detecting means for detecting the state of said operating means;
selecting means for selecting either of a first position or a second
position to be determined according to the detected result by said
detecting means;
change-over means for changing a plurality of said developing devices; and
controlling means for controlling said change-over means so that the
developed color is changed at the position selected by said selecting
means.
10. A copying machine in accordance with claim 9, wherein
said copying machine executes a copying operation by a split mode which
splits one original document image into two regions and forms respective
images on different copy sheets, respectively; and
judging means for detecting which region is copied in, and for controlling
the selecting operation of said selecting means according to the detected
result.
11. An image forming apparatus which forms an image constituted with a
plurality of colors, and can be operated in a plurality of modes,
comprising:
image forming means;
region designating means for designating at least one region of an image to
be formed;
controlling means which operates said image forming means so as to form an
image of at least one region of which is colored differently from other
regions based on designating by said region designating means; and
mode selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of said modes;
whereby said controlling means changes the region wherein the image is to
be formed with a different color from those of other regions based on the
selection by said mode selecting means.
12. An image forming apparatus in accordance with claim 11, wherein
said modes include a split mode which forms two respective images into
which one original image document is split on different copy sheet.
13. An image forming apparatus in accordance with claim 11, wherein
said modes include a double-side mode which forms images on the both sides
of a copy sheet.
14. A copying machine, comprising:
image forming means for forming an image in a plurality of colors;
operating means for dividing an original image;
selecting means for selecting either a first division or a second division
of the original image, said first division and second division depending
on the operation of said operating means; and
controlling means for controlling said image forming means so as to form an
image with a plurality of colors according to said first division or
second division.
15. A copying machine which is provided with a plurality of developing
devices performing development using developers of different colors, which
copies an image with a plurality of colors by changing the different
developing devices in one copying operation, and which splits one original
document image into a first and a second regions and copies them on a
first copy sheet and a second copy sheet, respectively, comprising:
operating means for selecting a position for changing the developed color
for said first region;
change-over means for changing a plurality of said developing devices in
one image forming operation; and
controlling means for controlling said change-over means so that the
developed color is changed at the position selected by said operating
means in copying said first region on the first copy sheet, and the
developed color is also changed in copying said second region on the
second copy sheet, wherein the position on the second copy sheet where the
developed color is changed is the same as on the first copy sheet.
16. An image forming apparatus which is provided with a plurality of
developing devices performing development using developers of different
colors, which copies an image with a plurality of colors by changing the
different developing devices in one copying operation, and which is
capable of operation by a split mode which splits one original document
image into a first and a second regions and copies them on different copy
sheets respectively, comprising:
operating means for selecting a position for changing the developed color
for said first region;
change-over means for changing a plurality of said developing devices in
one copying operation; and
controlling means for controlling said change-over means so that in
operation by said split mode, the developed color is changed at the
position selected by said operating means in copying said first region,
and the developed color is changed at a position symmetrical with the
position selected for said first region of a copy sheet in copying said
second region.
17. A copying machine which is provided with a plurality of developing
devices performing development using developers of different colors,
copies an image with a plurality of colors by changing the different
developing devices in one copying operation, and which copies images on
the both sides of a copy sheet, comprising:
operating means for selecting a position for changing the developed color
for said first region;
change-over means for changing a plurality of said developing devices in
one copying operation;
controlling means for controlling said change-over means so that the
developed color is changed at the position selected by said operating
means in copying on a first side of a copy sheet, and the developed color
is changed at the position symmetrical with the position selected for said
first region on a copy sheet in copying on a second side of a copy sheet.
18. A copying machine which splits one original document into a first
region and a second region and which copies them on different copying
papers, comprising:
image forming means which can form an image at least in a first color and a
second color;
controlling means for controlling said image forming means so that the
image forming color is changed from said first color to said second color
in copying operation on said first region, and the image forming color is
changed from said second color to said first color in copying operation on
said second region.
19. A copying machine which splits one original document into a first
region and a second region and which copies them on different copy sheets,
comprising:
image forming means which can form an image at least in a first color and a
second color;
controlling means for controlling said image forming means so that the
image forming color is changed from said first color to said second color
in copying operation on said first region, and also in copying operation
on said second region.
20. An image forming apparatus which forms an image on the both sides of a
copy sheet, comprising:
image forming means which can form an image at least in a first color and a
second color; and
controlling means for controlling said image forming means so as to start
the image forming operation in the first color and changing the image
forming color to said second color in forming an image on a first side of
the copy sheet, and to start the image forming operation in the second
color and changing the image forming color to said first color in forming
an image on a second side of the copy sheet.
21. A copying machine which forms a copy image by using a plurality of
developing devices with selectively changing said developing devices
corresponding to a plurality of regions into which an original document
image is divided in a predetermined direction, comprising:
selecting means for selecting a first position for changing the developing
device of said original document image;
calculating means which performs predetermined calculations based on a
first position for changing the developing device designated by said
designating means, and thereby determines a second and a third position
for changing the developing device on said original document image;
second selecting means for selecting one position among said first, second
and third positions for changing the developing device; and
controlling means for controlling a plurality of said developing devices so
that the developing device is changed corresponding to the position for
changing the developing device selected by said second selecting means.
22. A copying machine which is provided with a plurality of developing
devices performing development using developers of different colors, which
forms an image with a plurality of colors by changing the different
developing devices, and which copies images on the both sides of a copy
sheet, comprising;
change-over means for changing the developing device to be used; and
controlling means for controlling said change-over means so that the
developed color is changed at a first position in copying operation on a
first side of a copy sheet, and the developed color is changed at a second
position differing from said first position in copying operation on a
second side of a copy sheet.
23. An image forming apparatus which forms images on the both sides of a
copy sheet, comprising:
a plurality of developing devices performing development using developers
of different colors;
change-over means for changing which developing device is in operation; and
controlling means for controlling said change-over means so as to operate
said plurality of developing devices in a first order upon the image
forming operation onto a first side of the copy sheet and operate said
plurality of developing devices in a second order different from said
first order upon the image forming operation onto a second side of the
copy sheet.
24. An image forming apparatus which forms images on the both sides of a
copy sheet, comprising:
image forming means for forming images in a plurality of colors; and
color control means for sending control signals to the image forming means
and controlling colors of the images to be formed, said color control
means changing a content of the control of the colors between the image
formation onto a first side of the copy sheet and the image formation onto
a second side of the copy sheet.
25. An image forming apparatus in accordance with claim 24, wherein said
color control means selects the color of the image, and said image forming
means comprises a first means for forming images in a first color on the
copy sheet and second means for forming images in a second color on the
copy sheet and selectively operates the first and second means according
to the selection by said color control means.
26. An image forming apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein said
image forming means changes the color of the image in response to the
control signals, and said color control means changes a timing of sending
the control signal between the image formation onto a first side of the
copy sheet and the image formation onto a second side of the copy sheet.
27. An image forming apparatus in accordance with claim 24, further
comprising designating means for designating a specific portion of the
image to be formed, wherein said color control means controls the colors
of the images so that an image corresponding to the specific portion is
formed in a first color and an image corresponding to the other portion is
formed in a second color.
28. An image forming apparatus which forms images on the both sides of a
copy sheet, comprising:
image forming means for forming images on the copy sheet;
sheet refeeding means for refeeding the copy sheet to said image forming
means for an image formation on a second side of the copy sheet after an
image formation on a first side of the copy sheet;
designating means manually operable for designating a specific portion of
the images to be formed; and
controlling means for controlling said image forming means according to the
designation by said designating means;
wherein said controlling means changes a content of the control of the
image forming means between the image formation onto a first side of the
copy sheet and the image formation onto a second side of the copy sheet.
29. A copying machine which splits an original image into at least a first
region and a second region and which copies them on different copying
sheets, comprising:
image forming means for forming an image in a plurality of colors; and
controlling means for controlling said image forming means between an image
formations of said first and second regions to change the colors to be
used.
30. A copying machine which splits an original image into at least a first
region and a second region and which copies them on different copying
sheets, comprising:
a plurality of developing devices;
driving means for selectively driving said plurality of developing devices
for image formation; and
controlling means for controlling said driving means between an copying
operation of said first region and a copying operation of said second
region to change the developing device to be driven.
31. An image forming apparatus which forms images on the both sides of a
copy sheet, comprising:
image forming means for forming images in a plurality of colors;
selecting means for selecting one of first and second copying modes; and
color control means for sending control signals to the image forming means
and controlling colors of the images to be formed;
wherein said color control means changes a content of the control of the
colors between the image formation onto a first side of the copy sheet and
the image formation onto a second side of the copy sheet when the first
copying mode is selected, and equally controls on the image formations
onto the first and second sides when the second copying mode is selected.
32. A copying machine which splits an original image into at least a first
region and a second region and which copies them on different copying
sheets, comprising:
a plurality of developing devices;
driving means for selectively driving said plurality of developing devices
for image formation;
selecting means for selecting one of first and second copying modes; and
controlling means for, when the first mode is selected by said selecting
means, controlling said driving means between an copying operation of said
first region and a copying operation of said second region to change the
developing device to be driven.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a
copying machine or printer, and to be detailed further, relates to an
image forming apparatus capable of forming an image with a plurality of
colors.
2. Description of Related Art
Simultaneous multicolor copying machines have been developed which can form
an image wherein both sides of a boundary preliminarily selected in the
direction of scanning an original document are colored differently by one
copying operation. This is such that, for example, means for selecting the
position for changing of the image color such as a sliding type editing
lever is disposed on a document table, and a plurality of developing
devices are changed-over selectively with this position of change-over set
as a boundary, and thereby an image is formed with different colors by
individual colors of the developing devices.
On the other hand, copying machines have been put in practical use which,
in addition to such a copying function, have a function that when a
original document of plural sheets one side of which is bound such as a
book, is copied, it is placed on a document table with both pages opened,
and a copy corresponding to each opened page is produced in a split manner
one by one page, or a copy is produced on the both sides of one copying
sheet.
Then, where change-over of the image color is performed in copying a book
in the above-described copying machine, for example, for a book whereto
indexes are affixed such as a reference book, it is requested that this
index portion, that is, each portion of the right and left ends of the
both opened pages is formed into an image of a different color. In such a
case, when one editing lever is mounted, only position of change-over for
one page can be selected, and in copying, the other page is formed into a
monochromatic image. For this reason, it is considered that the position
of change-over is selected again, and copying is performed twice, but this
method cannot make the most of the copy editing function for books, being
inefficient.
Then, it is considered that two editing levers are disposed and two
positions of change-over are selected, but this method is expensive in
cost in comparison with the method using one lever, and it is required
that the position of change-over is selected for each page despite that
the right and left pages are of the same form, and therefore this method
is inefficient and the operation thereof is complicated like the former
method.
Also, for example, where the book as described above is disjointed into
sheets of double-side document, and the double-side document is copied on
the both sides of one copying paper with the index portion
color-identified like the above case, a desired copy cannot be obtained
unless the position of the change-over of the rear surface is changed
after completing the copy operation of the surface. Particularly, where an
automatic document feeder is used, it is impossible to change the position
of change-over before copying the rear surface, and the problem exists
that for the rear surface, a portion other than the index portion is
color-identified.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been achieved in the light of circumstances as
described above, and a principal objective thereof is to improve the
operationability of an image forming apparatus which has a so-called
editing function and can form an image with a plurality of colors.
A second objective of the present invention is to provide an image forming
apparatus wherein, for example, when the both pages of an opened book are
copied on one copy sheet, on two copy sheet, or on the both sides of one
copy sheet respectively, the position of the change-over of the copy color
is selected on one page, and thereby the position of the change-over on
the other page is also set automatically as intended by the operator.
A third objective of the present invention is to provide an image forming
apparatus wherein, for example, when two sheets of original document are
copied on one copy sheet, on two copy sheet respectively, or on both sides
of one copy sheet respectively, the position of the change-over of the
copy color is selected on one page, and thereby the position of the
change-over on the other page is also set automatically as intended by the
operator.
A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide an image forming
apparatus wherein, for example, when a double-side document is copied on
one copy sheet, on two copy sheet, or on both sides of one copy sheet
respectively, the position of the change-over of the copy color is
selected on one page, and thereby the position of the change-over on the
other page is set automatically as intended by the operator.
An image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality
of developing devices, means for developing an image with changing-over
the developing devices at arbitrary positions in the direction of the main
scanning of an original image in one copying operation, means for
selecting a position of the change-over of the developing device, storing
means for storing the selected position, selecting means for selecting the
position of the change-over among from the selected position, the position
determined in relation to the position stored in the storing means and the
position evaluated by calculation, and means for changing-over the
developing device according to the result of a selection made by this
selecting means.
Accordingly, by selected the position of the change-over of the developing
device on one side of a double-side document, on one of two aligned sheets
of original document or on one page of an opened book, the developing
device, in other words, the developed color is changed-over automatically
at the position intended by the operator also on the other side.
The above and further objects and features of the invention will more fully
be apparent from the following detailed description with accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of
an image forming apparatus of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a magnified view of a main part thereof,
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a
developing device of the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the developing
device in the operated state and the non-operated state, respectively,
FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 are side cross-sectional views showing a configuration of
moving means of a magnet roller,
FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the image forming apparatus of the
present invention,
FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image
editing mechanism,
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an operation
panel of the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a controlling
system of the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
FIG. 12 through FIG. 18 are flow charts showing controlling procedures by
the control of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and
FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are schematic diagrams showing operation in each mode
of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, description is made on the present invention based on drawings
showing an embodiment thereof.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an internal
structure of a copying machine which is an example of an image forming
apparatus in accordance with the present invention, and the configuration
of the copying machine is described together with a basic copying
operation thereof with referring to drawing.
First, in the state that a photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in the
direction as shown by an arrow a, a constant quantity of charges are given
to the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 by a discharge of a charger 2.
Subsequently, a scanner 40 having an exposure lamp 41 of an optical system
3 irradiates light onto an original document placed on a document glass
plate 9 while performing scanning operation in the direction as shown by
an arrow b. The reflected light exposes the surface of the photosensitive
drum 1 at an exposure point W through mirrors M and a lens L, and thereby
an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an original document image
is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.
This electrostatic latent image is supplied with toner in the developing
region X or X' which faces the following first developing device 4 or
second developing device 5 to be made into a real image, and a toner image
reproducing the original image is formed.
On the other hand, copy sheet is fed selectively from an upper cassette 50
or a lower cassette 51 by a paper feed roller 57 or 58, and is carried to
a part facing a transfer charger 6 (a transferring region Y) while
timing-matched with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 by a pair
of timing rollers 52. Here, the above-mentioned toner is transferred to
the copy sheet, and is thereafter carried to a position between a pair of
fixing rollers 53 by a carrying belt 56, and the above-mentioned toner
image is fuse-fixed to the copy sheet, and is discharged to a paper outlet
part 54.
However, when a double-side copy mode or a composite copy mode is selected,
a first change-over claw 59 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 1 (as shown by a
broken line), and the copy sheet after image fixing is not discharged to
the paper outlet part 54, but is carried downward. Here, in the case of
the composite copy mode, the copy sheet is received intact in an
intermediate tray 55. In the the double-side copy mode, a second
change-over claw 60 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 1, and the copy sheet
passes through a reversing part 61 to be turned over, thereafter being
received in the intermediate tray 55. The copy sheet received once in the
intermediate tray 55 is carried again to the transferring region Y, and a
second transfer of the toner image is applied like the first transfer, and
the image is fixed by the pair of fixing rollers 53, thereafter it is
discharged.
On the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, the residual toner is scraped
off by a cleaning device 7, and further the residual charges are erased by
light irradiation of an eraser lamp 8, and the next development is
prepared for.
As described above, the copying machine in this embodiment has two
developing devices 4 and 5, and the respective developing devices have
developers of colors differing from each other. Then, these developing
devices are driven selectively by a controlling mechanism as described
later, and thereby a development with a desired developed color among
colors of developers stored in the respective developing devices can be
performed.
FIG. 2 is a magnified side cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG. 1,
specifically the periphery of the photosensitive drum 1.
The first developing device 4 and the second developing device 5 have
nearly the same configuration. In a developing tank 11 (11'), a developing
sleeve 12 (12'), a feed roller 14 (14') and a screw 15 (15') are mounted
in sequence from the photosensitive drum 1 side. A developer composed of
magnetic carriers and insulative color toner is stored in the first
developing device 4, and a developer composed of magnetic carriers and
insulative black toner normally used is stored in the second developing
device 5.
Inside the developing sleeve 12 (12'), a magnet roller 13 (13') wherein a
plurality of magnets are extended in the axial direction is provided, and
the magnetic forces of magnetic poles N.sub.1, N.sub.2, N.sub.3, S.sub.1
and S.sub.2 located on the outer peripheral surfaces of these magnets are
set to N.sub.1 =1000 G, N.sub.2, N.sub.3 =500 G, and S.sub.1, S.sub.2 =800
G, respectively (G is an abbreviation of Gauss).
Then, as is obvious from a side cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 4,
the center of the magnetic pole N.sub.1 is disposed at the position at an
angle of .theta..sub.1 (80.degree.) clockwise from the center of the
magnetic pole S.sub.1. The magnetic pole N.sub.3 is disposed in a manner
that the center thereof is positioned at an angle .theta..sub.2
(40.degree.) counterclockwise from the opposite part of a brush height
controlling member 19 in the state that the magnetic pole N.sub.1 faces
the photo sensitive drum 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view of the developing device. The
magnetic roller 13 is mounted in a manner that one end part 13a of the
support shaft thereof is supported by a bearing recess 12c provided inside
the developing sleeve 12, and the other end part 13b of the same is
supported by the side wall of the developing tank 11, and is made
rotatable by a predetermined angle .theta..sub.1 (=40.degree.) by moving
means 30 as described later. On the other hand, the developing sleeve 12
is mounted in a manner that a right-side bearing part 12b in FIG. 3 is
supported by the support shaft 13b of the magnet roller 13 and an
opposite-side of the support shaft 12a is supported by the side wall of
the developing tank 11, and is rotation-driven by driving means 20.
The feed roller 14 and the screw 15 are mounted in carrying paths 16 and 17
partitioned by a partition wall 18, respectively. Those roller 14 and
screw 15 are mounted in a manner that respective support shafts 14a and
15a are journaled by the side wall of the developing tank 11, and is
rotation-driven by the driving means 20.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the carrying paths 16 and 17 are connected
with each other at the both sides of the developing tank 11.
The moving means 30 of the above-mentioned magnet roller 13 is constituted
with a lever 31, a spring 32 and a solenoid 33 as the side views thereof
are shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7. The intermediate portion of the lever 31
is fixed to the end portion of the support shaft 13b of the magnet roller
13, and one end portion thereof is attached to one end of the spring 32
which is fixed to the developing tank 11 and is always forced in the
direction as shown by an arrow e. Also, a plunger 34 of the solenoid 33 is
hooked at the other end portion of the lever 31, and by driving the
solenoid 33, the lever 31 is rotated in the direction as shown by an arrow
e' against the force of the spring 32.
When the solenoid 33 is not operated, that is, when the lever 31 is in the
state as shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 4, the magnet pole N.sub.1 of
the magnet roller 13 faces the photosensitive drum 1, and the magnetic
pole N.sub.3 retreats to the position at an angle .theta..sub.2
(40.degree.) counterclockwise from the part facing the brush height
controlling member 19. In this state, a magnetic brush formed on the
developing sleeve 12 with the developer is in contact with the surface of
the photosensitive drum 1, and the developing device is in the state
capable of operation.
On the other hand, in the non-operated state of the developing device, the
solenoid 33 is driven, and the lever 31 is put in the state as shown in
FIG. 7, and as shown in a longitudinal cross-sectional view in FIG. 6, the
magnetic pole N.sub.3 faces the brush height controlling member 19, and
the intermediate part between the magnetic poles N.sub.1 and S.sub.1 faces
the part facing to the photosensitive drum 1.
At this intermediate part between the magnetic poles N.sub.1 and S.sub.1,
the magnetic brush of the developer is not formed, and the developer does
not contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 in this state, and
therefore development of the electrostatic latent image on the surface of
the photosensitive drum is not performed.
FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the copying machine. On the top surface
of the copying machine, an image editing mechanism 100 is mounted which is
provided with the document glass plate 9, an operation panel 70 and a
lever 101 which selects the position of change-over of the developing
device (color) in performing simultaneous multicolor copying. The lever
101 can be moved along a groove 103 provided along the side edge of the
document glass plate 9 and in the scanning direction of the scanner 40.
When the simultaneous multicolor copying is performed, the lever 101 is
set at an arbitrary position, and thereby control is performed by a
controlling circuit as described later in a manner that the developed
color is changed-over at a boundary line Z appointed by the lever 101.
FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the image editing mechanism, and
under the lever 101, a magnet 101a is provided at the portion located
inside the body of the copying machine.
On the other hand, in the scanner 40 of the optical system 3, a reed switch
110 is provided which outputs a predetermined signal to a controlling
apparatus when the magnet 101a is detected.
Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the initial set position of the scanner 40 is
detected by a reed switch 500 located under the scanner 40.
Next, description is made on the operational panel 70 of the copying
machine in reference to a plan view as shown in FIG. 10.
In the operation panel 70, numeral 71 designates a print key, numeral 72
designates numeric displaying LED for displaying the copy quantity,
numerals 73 and 74 designate LEDs for displaying toner colors, and the
LEDs 73 and 74 display operations of the first developing device and the
second developing device, respectively. Numeral 77 designates an LED for
displaying toner empty. Numerals 80 through 89 designate ten-keys, numeral
90 designates an interrupt key performing an interrupt command, numeral 91
designates a clear/stop key, numeral 92 designates a paper select key, and
numerals 92a through 92d designate LEDs for displaying paper size
selection, which display paper sizes A3, B4, A4 and B5 respectively.
Numeral 95 designates a key for selecting the first developing device or
the second developing device, numeral 97 designates a key for selecting a
simultaneous two-color copy mode, numeral 97a designates an LED for
displaying the simultaneous two-color copy mode, which displays on-state
of the key for selecting the simultaneous two-color copy mode, numeral 97b
designates an LED for displaying the reverse mode in the simultaneous
two-color copy mode. Mode selection is performed in a sequence of the
monochrome copy mode (97a and 97b are not lit), the simultaneous two-color
mode (97a is lit) and the reverse mode (97b is lit) every time the
simultaneous two-color mode select key 97 is depressed. By depressing this
key once more, the monochrome copy mode is restored.
Also, numeral 98 designates a key for selecting book split copy mode,
numeral 98a designates an LED for displaying selection of the book split
copy mode, numeral 99 designates a key for selecting the double-side mode,
and numeral 99a designates an LED for displaying selection of the
double-side mode.
Next, description is made on a controlling circuit of this copying machine
in reference to a circuit diagram in FIG. 11.
This controlling circuit is constituted with a first microcomputer (CPU)
621 for controlling copying operation and a second microcomputer (CPU) 622
for controlling the optical system which are connected to each other to be
synchronized with each other and a RAM 623, and to the first CPU 621, a
switch matrix 207 is connected wherein various operation keys on the
operation panel 70, the sensors such as the reed switch and the scanner 40
initial position switch 500 are provided.
Also, to output terminals A1 through A12 of the first CPU 621, a main
motor, a developing motor, a paper feed clutch, a paper re-feed clutch, a
solenoid for changing-over the lever and the like are connected, and based
on signals from the above-mentioned switch matrix 207, ON and OFF of them
are controlled.
Furthermore, to the first CPU 621, various LEDs of the copy quantity
display part 72 and the like are connected through a decoder 206, and
lighting and putting-out thereof are controlled.
On the other hand, to the second CPU 622, a drive control part 221 of a DC
motor for scanning the optical system and a drive control part 222 of a
stepping motor for moving a lens are connected.
Next, description is made on control sequence of the controlling circuit
constituted as described above based on flow charts in FIG. 12 through
FIG. 18.
Before the description of the control sequence, the terms "on edge" and
"off edge" will be defined.
When the states of a switch, sensor, signals and so on changes from the off
state to the on state, this change of state will be defined as "ON edge".
When the states of the switch, sensor, signals and so on changes from the
on state to the off state, the change of state is defined as "OFF edge".
A main routine as shown in FIG. 12 shows a control sequence of the whole of
the copying machine performed by the first CPU 621, and by turning on the
power source of the copying machine, the CPUs 621 and 622 inside it is
initialized at Step S1.
At Step S2, a predetermined value is set in an internal timer, and the
timer is started, so that one routine time for performing the subsequent
processings is set. This means that in this copying machine, this sequence
of the main routine is executed every routine time, which is a minute
time.
At Step S3, a color key processing routine is executed. Here, the operation
state of the select key 95 is judged, and when either of the first or the
second developing devices 4 or 5 is selected, processing of lighting the
LED 73 or 74 indicating the toner color of the developing device 4 or 5 is
performed.
Subsequently, at Step S4, a simultaneous two-color copy made select key
processing routine is executed. In this routine, the operation state of
the simultaneous two-color copy mode select key 97 is judged, and when the
simultaneous two-color copy mode or the reverse mode by simultaneous
two-color copy as described later is selected, processing of lighting the
LED 97a or the both LED 97a and LED 97b indicating that selection is
performed.
At Step S5, a book split copy key processing routine is executed.
In a routine of processing copy operation of Step S6, the standard copying
operation or the simultaneous two-color copying operation is executed.
At Step S7, a scanner controlling routine is executed.
At Step S8, a developing device controlling routine is executed.
The above-mentioned routines of Step S5 through Step S8 are detailed later.
At Step S9, other processings are executed, and at the following Step S10,
judgment is made on whether or not time counting of the internal timer set
in the above-mentioned Step S2 has finished, and when it has finished,
processing returns again to Step S2, and when it has not finished,
processing is put on wait state.
In this embodiment, the document glass plate 9 is fixed, and the exposure
lamp 41 is scan-operated, but without being limited to this method, it is
also possible that the exposure lamp 41 is fixed and the document glass
plate 9 is scan-operated.
Then, FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing details of the book split copy key
processing routine at the above-mentioned Step S5.
First, the first CPU 621 judges on edge of the book split copy mode select
key 98 (Step S501). Where this is turned on, when the book split copy mode
displaying LED 98a is put out, the first CPU 621 lights this (Step S506),
turns an A-side copy signal to "0", and thus a B-side copy signal to "1",
and processing returns to the main routine (Steps S507 and S508).
Here, the A-side is a page located on the right side of a marker 90 when a
book is opened and placed on the document glass plate 9 with the opened
pages facing downward, and the B-side is a page located on the left side
in that state.
On the other side, when the book split copy mode displaying LED 98a is lit
at Step S502, the first CPU 621 puts out this (Step S503), and sets the
both A-side and B-side copy signals to "0", and processing returns to the
main routine (Steps S504 and S505).
FIG. 14(a) and (b) are flow charts showing details of the routine of
processing copying operation at the above-mentioned Step S6.
Copying operation processing is started by detecting an input of the print
key 90 (Step S601).
First, the first CPU 621 sets a copy start flag to "1" (Step S603), and
judges the setting of the flag (Step S605), and thereafter puts a main
motor (not illustrated), the charger 2 and the transfer charger 6 in
on-state respectively, and sets timers TA and TB, and resets the
above-mentioned copy start flag to "0" (Step S607). Here, the timer TA
manages off-time of the clutches of the paper feed rollers 57 and 58, and
the timer TB manages scan-start-time.
In the following Steps S609 through S615, the first CPU 621 starts feeding
copy sheets by turning on the clutch of the paper feed rollers 57 and 58
of the selected cassette, either the upper cassette 50 or the lower
cassette 51.
Subsequently, at Step S617, the first CPU 621 judges end of time counting
of the above-mentioned timer TA, and when the judged result is "end", it
stops feed of copying paper by turning off the clutch of the paper feed
rollers 57 and 58 previously turned on (Step S619).
Subsequently, at Step S621, the first CPU 621 judges end of time counting
of the timer TB, and when the judged result is "end", it sets a scan start
signal (scan signal) to "1" (Step S623), and starts scanning processing as
described later.
At Step S625, the first CPU 621 judges a timing signal, and when detecting
that this is "1", it turns on the clutch of the timing roller 52, feeds
copy sheet between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer charger 6,
starts transfer onto the copy sheet, and sets a timer TC (Step S627). The
timer TC manages scan-end-time, charge-end-time and off-time of the clutch
of the timing roller 52 (Steps S629 and S631), and the set time thereof is
determined according to the size of copy sheet selected at Steps S609
through S611 and the set copy magnification.
Subsequently, at Step S633, the first CPU 621 judges whether or not a
return signal is "1". When this is "1", return is started. When multi-copy
is completed (Step S635), the first CPU 621 judges whether or not the book
split copy mode has been designated from lighting of the LED 98a (Step
S637). When the mode is the book split copy mode, the first CPU 621 judges
whether or not the B-side copy signal is "1" (Step S639). Here, the B-side
copy refers to a first copy in the book split copy mode, and the A-side
copy is a second copy.
When the B-side copy signal is "1" (Step S639), the first CPU 621 turns the
B-side copy signal to "0", and sets the A-side copy signal to "1" (Steps
S643 and S645), sets a copy start flag, and prepares for performing the
A-side copy as a second copy (Step S645). Also, when the B-side copy
signal is not "1" (Step S639), the A-side copy signal is "1", so that
therefore the first CPU 621 sets the A-side copy signal to "0" (Step
S647), and sets the B-side copy signal to "1" (Step S649).
Subsequently, when the scanner 40 is restored to the initial position, and
an initial position signal is delivered (Step S651), the first CPU 621
turns off the transfer charger 6, and sets a timer TD (Step S653). The
timer TD manages off-time of the main motor (Step S657 and S659).
In addition, when multi-copy has not been completed at Step S635, the first
CPU 621 sets the copy start flag (Step S655), and executes the copying
operation again.
Subsequently, at Step S661, the first CPU 621 outputs each control signal
to control external equipment, and transmits signals to the other CPU.
The copying operation is performed as described above.
FIG. 15 shows a scanner controlling routine (Step S7).
When the book split copy mode select displaying LED 98a is not lit (Step
S701), that is, in the case of the normal copy mode, or when the book
split copy mode select displaying LED 98a is lit (the book split copy
mode) and in the case of A-side scanning (Step S702), normal scanner
control is performed. This means that when the scanner parts from the
scanner initial positon switch 500 (Step S703), the first CPU 621 sets a
timer T for registration with paper corresponding to the scanning speed
and a scanning length timer is determined by paper
"length.times.magnification" (Steps S704 and S705). When time counting of
the timer T is completed (Step S706), the first CPU 621 sets the timing
signal to "1" (Step S707), and when time counting of the scanning length
timer is completed (Step S708), it sets the scan signal to "0", and sets
the return signal to "1" (Step S709). In the case of the book B-side
scanning (Step S710), scanning is performed across a distance of paper
length.times.magnification (Step S711), and then the same processing as
the above-mentioned case is performed (Step S712-S717). Note that when the
scanner 40 reaches the longest scanning length (420 mm in this embodiment)
before time counting of the scanning length timer is completed, the
scanner 40 finishes scanning (Step S18), and starts return to the initial
position.
FIG. 16(a) through FIG. 16(c) show a developing device controlling routine
(Step S8).
First, the first CPU 621 judges whether or not the book split copy mode has
been selected (Step S801), and when this has not been selected and also
the simultaneous two-color copy mode has not been selected, development is
performed by the selected developing device, either the first or the
second developing device, attending on normal copying operation (Step S802
and S803).
On the other hand, when the simultaneous two-color copy mode has been
selected at Step S802, the first CPU 621 judges whether or not the
double-side reverse mode has been selected (Step S804), and when this mode
has not been selected, development is performed by changing-over the first
and the second developing devices with the change-over point of developed
color set by the lever 101 as a boundary (Step S805).
Control of changing-over the developing devices is performed in a manner
that the developing devices are driven to be changed-over by a change-over
signal generated by off edge of the reed switch 110 in the normal
simultaneous two-color copy mode, and by a change-over signal generated by
a lapse of a predetermined time in the memory mode or the reverse mode as
described later.
However, at this point of time, the image position where the
above-mentioned change-over signal is generated is located at a position W
of the photosensitive drum 1, and therefore the following control is
performed.
In the case of change-over from the second developing device 5 to the first
developing device 4, the first CPU 621 turns off the magnetic pole
change-over solenoid 33 at a timing of a time lapse (t.sub.1 =0.22sec)
during which the image position at change-over moves to the development
position X of the first developing device 4, and turns on the developing
motor 24 of the first developing device 4.
Thereby, the first developing device 4 is set in the state as shown in FIG.
4 and FIG. 5 like the second developing device 5, and the developing
sleeve 12, the feed roller 14 and the screw 15 are rotated in the
directions as shown by arrows respectively, and on the surface of the
developing sleeve 12, a magnetic brush is formed, and is set in the state
capable of developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive
drum 1. Then, in the first developing device 4, operation of feeding color
toner to the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the color region
is started.
Subsequently, after a time t.sub.2 from start of a first developing motor
24, that is, at a timing of a time lapse (t.sub.2 =0.20sec) during which
the above-mentioned intermediate position moves from the development
position X to the development position X' of the second developing device
5, the first CPU 621 turns off a second developing motor 24', and turns
off a magnetic pole change-over solenoid 33'. By the above-described
processing, the development for the block region is completed, and the
development for the color region is started.
Change-over from the first developing device 4 to the second developing
device 5 is executed by above-mentioned change-over signal. At this time,
however, the image position where the change-over signal is generated
locates at the position of W on the photosensitive drum 1, so that the
first CPU 62 turns o the first developing motor 24 and turns on the
magnetic pole change-over solenoid 33 at the timing of a time lapse
t.sub.1 (=0.22 sec) as like as above. Further, the first CPU 621 turns on
the second developing motor 24' and turns off the magnetic pole
change-over solenoid 33' at the timing of a time lapse t.sub.2 (=0.20
sec). By the above-description processing, the developing for the color
region is completed, and the development for the black region is started.
Here, the double-side reverse mode refers to the case where the double-side
mode and the reverse mode based on the simultaneous two-color mode are
both selected, and as shown in an explanatory view of FIG. 19, where one
sheet of double-side copy is obtained from two sheets of single-side
documents or one sheet of double-side copy is obtained from one sheet of
double-side document, the developed color of the side to be copied
secondly is reversed from the first one, and the change-over thereof is
performed symmetrically with the center position located at the center of
scanning length of the original document. This means that as shown by A in
FIG. 19, by this method, images can be formed with the same color in the
same regions (hatched) of the both sides of a double-side copy, and for
example, indexes positioned at the same-side ends of the both sides can be
color-identified.
In the case Where this double-side reverse mode is selected, the first CPU
621 judges whether a first side copy or a second side copy is performed
(Step S806), and when the initial first side copy is performed, the first
CPU 621 measures a scanning time (t) up to the change-over point and
stores by a subroutine of measuring scanning time (Step S807), and
similarly at Step S805, performs a first development by changing-over the
first and the second developing devices 4 and 5 with the change-over point
taken as a boundary.
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the contents of the subroutine of measuring
scanning time for measuring and storing the above-mentioned scanning time
(t) used at Steps S807 and S812. First, when a start of scanning is
detected by off edge of the scanner initial position switch 500 (Step
S8071), the first CPU 621 resets a timer S, and thereafter starts it to
start timer counting, and clears a memory H (Steps S8072 through S8074).
Then, when the change-over point of the developed color is detected by off
edge of the reed switch 110 (Step S8075), the first CPU 621 stops the
timer S, and stores the time counting value (t) in the memory H (Step
S8076 and S8077).
Then, in a second side copy by the double-side reverse mode, first, the
first CPU 621 executes a subroutine of changing-over the initial
developing device of Step S808, and starts development by changing-over
the initial developing device with the one used for the first side copy.
This means that the developing device changed-over midway in the first
side copy is used initially (Step S808).
FIG. 18 shows the contents of this subroutine of changing-over the initial
developing device. First, where an initial developing device flag is not
"1", the first CPU 621 sets it to "1", changes-over the initial developing
device, and starts development (Step S8081-S8083), and when the
development is completed, it resets the initial developing device flag to
"0" (Step S8084 and S8085).
After the initial developing device has been changed-over and the
development of the second side has been started as described above, when a
timer required for scanning the original document subtracted by the
scanner time (t) stored in the above-mentioned memory H has elapsed from
the start of scanning, a change-over signal is generated and control of
change-over of the developing device is performed (Step S809).
Thus, the copy as shown by A in FIG. 19 is obtained.
In addition, when the mode is normal mode other than the reverse mode, a
copy as shown by B in FIG. 19 is obtained.
On the other hand, where the book split copy mode has been selected in the
above-mentioned Step S801, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the first CPU 621
judges next whether or not the simultaneous two-color copy mode has been
selected (Step S810), and when this mode has not been selected, processing
proceeds to the above-mentioned Step S803, and development by normal book
split mode is performed by the selected developing device.
Where the simultaneous two-color copy mode has been selected in the book
split copy mode, the first CPU 621 judges next whether or not the B-side
is copied, that is, as described above, whether or not a first copy is
performed (Step S811), and when the B-side is copied, it executes the
measuring scanning time routine as shown in FIG. 17, and measures the
scanning time (t) up to the change-over point, and stores it (Step S812).
The scanning time (t) in this case is set by adding the scanning time up
to the change-over point on the B-side to the moving time of the scanner
40 on the A-side when the change-over point exists on the B-side so that
this time (t) can accommodate for either case where the change-over point
is set on the B-side or the A-side. This means that this time (t) is a
time of movement of the scanner 40 from the initial set position of the
scanner 40 to the change-over point irrespective of the A-side or the
B-side.
Subsequently, the first CPU 621 judges that on which of the A-side or the
B-side the change-over point has been set (Step S813). When it has been
set on the B-side, the first CPU 621 develops the B-side by changing-over
the first and the second developing devices with the change-over point as
a boundary (Step S814). For a judgment of Step S813, for example, a method
is used wherein a time taken for scanning a distance of "paper
length.times.magnification" is measured, and whether off edge of the reed
switch 110 is detected during this time is checked, and when off edge is
detected, it is judged that the change-over point exists on the A-side,
and when not detected, it is judged that the point exists on the B-side.
Also, when the point has been set on the A-side, the first CPU 621 judges
whether or not the reverse mode has been selected (Step S815), and when
the reverse mode has not been selected, control of change-over of the
developing device is performed by generating a change-over signal when the
scanning length time of the A-side (time taken for scanning a distance of
"paper length.times.magnification") added by the above-mentioned scanning
time (t) has elapsed from a start of scanning, and thereby development of
the B-side is performed (Step S818).
On the other hand, when the reverse mode has been selected, the first CPU
621 executes the routine of changing-over the initial developing device as
described above to change-over the initial developing device, and starts
development of the B-side (Step S816), and changes-over the developing
device by generating a change-over signal when two times of the scanning
length time, that is, the scanning length time of the A- and B-sides
subtracted by the above-mentioned scanning time (t) has elapsed from a
start of scanning (Step S817).
By the above/mentioned processing, a first development for the B-side in
the simultaneous two-color copy mode in the book split mode is performed.
FIG. 20(a) through FIG. 20(d) are explanatory views thereof. In this
embodiment, for the initial developing device in the normal simultaneous
two-color copy, the one provided with color toner is used, and the
developing device provided with black toner is used from the change-over
point.
In addition, where the change-over point exists on the A-side, the scanning
time (t) has not been measured at a start of scanning, but calculation of
timing of change-over of the developing device is performed at a point
when measurement is completed on the A-side, and therefore simultaneous
two-color copy can be performed by one-time scan.
FIGS. 20(a) and (b) show a mode wherein change-over of the image color is
performed at equal positions on the A-and B-sides (hereinafter referred to
as the memory mode), and where a change-over point has been set on the
A-side, as shown in FIG. 20(a), the image color of the B-side is
changed-over at a change-over point obtained by calculation.
Also, where the change-over point has been set on the B-side, as shown in
FIG. 20(b), the image color of the B-side is changed-over at that
change-over point .
FIGS. 20(c) and (d) show the reverse mode, that is, the mode wherein
change-over is performed by which the A- and B-sides have image colors
symmetrical with the center marker position located center, and where the
change-over point has been set on the A-side, as shown in FIG. 20(c),
the initial developing device is changed-over with the one provided with
black toner, and the image color of the B-side is changed-over to color at
the change-over point obtained by calculation.
Also, where the change-over point has been set on the B-side, as shown in
FIG. 20(d), the image color of the B-side is changed-over at that
change-over point like the case of FIG. 20(b).
Thus, the operator may set the change-over point on either of the A-side or
the B-side, and on the side where the change-over point of a copy to be
obtained finally has not been set, change-over of the image color
responding to the selected memory mode or reverse mode is performed.
When the development of the B-side is completed as described above, to
perform a second development for the A-side, the CPU 621 judges that copy
is performed on the A-side at Step S811 in FIG. 16(b), and processing
proceeds to Step S819 in FIG. 16(c), and the side where the change-over
point has been set is discriminated. Here, where the change-over point has
been set on the A-side, the first CPU 621 performs development of the
A-side by changing-over the developing devices with that change-over point
as a boundary. This means that this is the above-mentioned case of FIGS.
20(a) and (c).
On the other hand, where the change-over point has been set on the B-side,
the first CPU 621 judges whether or not the reverse mode has been selected
(Step S821), and when the reverse mode has not been set, that is, the
memory mode has been set, it performs development for A-side by
changing-over the developing devices by generating the change-over signal
when the stored scanning time (t) subtracted by the time of scanning
length of the A-side has elapsed from a start of scanning (Step S824).
This is the above-mentioned case of FIG. 20(b), and the position of the
mark becomes the change-over point obtained by calculation.
Also, in the reverse mode, the first CPU 621 changes-over the initial
developing device, and starts development for the A-side (Step S822), and
like the above-mentioned Step S817, changes-over the developing devices by
generating the change-over signal when two times of the scanning length
time subtracted by the above-mentioned scanning time (t) has elapsed from
a start of scanning (Step S823). This is the case of FIG. 20(d), and the
initial developing device is changed-over with the one provided with black
toner, and the image color of the A-side is changed-over with color at the
change-over point obtained by calculation.
As a result of the above processing, particularly the reverse mode is
optimum for color-identifying indexes of a book wherein the indexes are
positioned at the right and left end parts of the both opened pages, and
only by selecting the position of change-over of the index portion of one
page, change-over of the index portion of the other page can be performed
automatically.
In addition, this embodiment is constituted in a manner that measurement of
the scanning time up to the change-over appointed position is performed at
a first scan, but this time may be measured at preliminary scan before
copying operation. Also, it is also possible that means for detecting the
position of the lever 101 is provided separately, and from the result of
this detection, the scanning time up to the change-over selected position
or the position of change-over of the developing device other than this
position is calculated.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, control of changing-over the developing
devices is performed by measuring the scanning time, but it is also
possible that means for detecting the position of the scanner is provided,
and it detects that the scanner has reached the change-over selected
position or another change-over position calculated based on the selected
position, and thereby similar control is performed.
Also, in this embodiment, when the simultaneous two-color copy mode is
selected in the book split mode, change-over of the developed color is
performed always on both the A-side and the B-side, but a configuration
may be adopted which can select the mode of changing-over the developed
color only at the position selected by the lever 101.
Also, by utilizing the present invention, it is also made possible that the
developing devices are changed-over at a plurality of positions in
one-time scanning operation based on this selected position by selecting
only one position of change-over of the developed color. By applying this
configuration, it is also made possible that, for example, where both
pages of an opened book are copied on one side of copy paper by one-time
scanning operation, only by appointed the changed-over position by
selecting means so that the index portion of one page is color-identified,
the index portion of the other page located at the position symmetrical
therewith is color-identified automatically.
As detailed above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the
above described embodiment, for example, in the case of the double-side
copy performing copying processing on the both sides of a copying paper
from two sheets of original document or from a double-side document or in
the case of performing the split edit copy of a book or the like, the
change-over position of the developing devices is set only on one sheet of
original document for the double-side composite copy from two sheets of
original document, only on one opened page for a book, or only on one side
for a double-side document respectively, and thereby the developing
devices are changed-over at another position related to the change-over
position automatically set for the other sheet of original document, the
other page or the opposite side. By this configuration, the change-over of
the developed color at a plurality of positions can be performed easily
without increasing the means of selecting the change-over position
incurring a high cost. Also, the operation is very simple, and the copying
operation mode such as the book split copy or the double-side copy can be
utilized intact, and particularly, where the automatic document feeder is
used, the change-over position on the other sheet of original document or
on the rear side can be selected automatically at the position intended by
the operator. Thus, the present invention has excellent effects.
Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment is constituted in a manner that
the developed color is changed-over by the stop position of the lever
capable of moving in the direction of scanning an original document, but
without being limited thereto, for example, the present invention is
applicable also to an image forming apparatus having an editing function
capable of erasing an image in a selected region on an original document
or extracting only an image in a designating region. Also, the method of
designating a region on an original document can also be constituted in a
manner that the region is designated by input of coordinates form a
keyboard or an external editing apparatus.
As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from
the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is
therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the
invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description
preceding them, and all changes that fall within the meets and bounds of
the claims, or equivalence of such meets and bounds thereof are therefore
intended to be embraced by the claims.
Top